Electrical connector with high impact strength locking assemblies

ABSTRACT

A weather-resistant electrical connector having an environmental seal and including a locking assembly made from a high impact strength thermoplastic. A method is disclosed for overmolding the connectors in one step. A locking yoke latches the connectors together. Locking tabs secure the connectors to mounting plates. The locking tabs have steps to retain the connectors upon compression of a seal. An insulated mounting post supports the contact and is of sufficient length to seal and contain any arcs from live connections.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus involvingovermolded, weather resistant electrical connectors having lockingassemblies made from a different high strength and flexible material.

2. The Prior Art

Plug and receptacle bodies can be made from a variety of methods,including overmolding a dielectric material around the wires andcontacts. Improvements in the basic design add features on to theovermolded body. One example is commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,181,the entire content of which are incorporated herein by referencethereto. This patent is incorporated by reference to provide adescription of the fluid sealing feature.

In order to improve the integrity of the electrical connection,manufacturers began adding latching assemblies. One example is commonlyowned U.S. Pat. No. 6,379,169 which adds overmolded latch parts to eachconnector. Another example is commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,003which adds an overmolded latch to one connector for securing to themounting plate.

All of the above referenced designs use only dielectric materials in theplug body. Furthermore they all utilize one-way ramps to attach onto themounting plate. That is, the plate aperture edge rides up and over theramp to a groove that captures the plate edge. Removing these connectorsrequires a difficult step of compressing the plug body to allow theramps to clear the aperture. The removal process may place undue torqueor force on the mounting plate causing it to bend out of shape orcrease.

Accordingly, a need exists to provide a simplified manufacturing processthat maintains the beneficial waterproof seal while incorporatinglatching and mounting fixtures with improved mechanical properties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a weather proofelectrical connector with high impact strength locking assemblies.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a simplifiedmethod for manufacturing such a connector with a single overmoldingstep.

It is another object to provide a post-mounted contact for making anelectrical connection within a sealed compartment.

These and other related features are provided in a water tightelectrical connector assembly having a male connector and a femaleconnector with a mating seal formed cooperatively upon connection of themale connector to the female connector. One of the connectors includeslocking tabs and the other connector includes a locking yoke, electricalcontacts and an overmold body.

The locking yoke is made from an impact resistant thermoplastic having abit portion with opposed ends and locking arms integrally formed oneither end of the bit portion. The electrical contacts form terminatingends of the wires. A dielectric thermoplastic overmold body including aportion of the mating seal at the proximal end thereof, encases the bitportion and the electrical contacts. The locking arms extend outside thebody with a degree of flexibility so that the arms are capable ofengaging and disengaging the locking tabs on the mating connector.

The bit portion comprises a C shaped retention band that is configuredand designed to pass around, and partially encircle, the electricalcontacts. The retention band and the electrical contacts are held in aspaced relationship during formation of the overmold body. The yokeincludes pivot plates between the bar and the locking arms. The pivotplates pass through the exterior surface of the overmold body. Theimpact resistant material forming the locking yoke has a tensilestrength at yield of between about 7,500 psi to about 10,500 psiaccording to ASTM D638. The locking arms are connected to the pivotplates at a midpoint thereof to provide a lever for pivoting the lockingarms off of the tabs. The impact resistant material forming the lockingyoke has a tensile strength at yield of between 3 and 20 times greaterthan the dielectric material forming the overmold body. The impactresistant material is selected from the group consisting of nylon 66 andpolycarbonate, and the dielectric material is selected from the groupconsisting of PVC, TPR and TPE.

The connectors each include one of a complementary shaped extension orcavity, both having lateral surfaces, and wherein said mating seals areformed on lateral surfaces. The retention band is axially aligned withthe lateral surfaces. The retention band is axially aligned with theseal. The locking arms and the locking tabs engage at a location that isradially aligned with said lateral surfaces.

For installation onto a mounting plate, there is one connector with ashoulder and tabs adapted to resiliently compress for passing through aface plate aperture and then expand to capture the face plate betweenthe shoulder and the tabs. We provide flexible arms that carry and biasthe tabs outwardly into a face plate contacting configuration. Theinstalled connector is provided with channels underneath the flexiblearms, wherein the flexible arms are adapted to be depressed into thechannels to clear the face plate aperture for removal of the connector.To mount the arms, there is an attachment assembly having a captureblock integrally formed with the flexible arms. The capture blockreleasably secures the attachment assembly to the one connector. Bothconnectors are made from a dielectric thermoplastic material. The oneconnector is overmolded to include a bead extending around the shoulderfor sealing engagement with the plate. The tabs include a steppedprofile to increase the pressure of the bead against the plate so thatthe bead forms and O-ring type seal meeting standard IP65. The beadcomprises a tapered lip about 0.01 inches in height and extending offthe shoulder in the direction of the tabs. The attachment assembly ismade from an impact resistant thermoplastic material having a tensilestrength at yield of between about 7,500 psi to about 10,500 psiaccording to ASTM D638. The locking yoke and the attachment assembly aremade from the same impact resistant material. The capture block includeswindows and the connector includes engagement tabs at a distal endthereof, to latch into the windows of said capture block.

In the arc containing embodiment, there are posts integrally formed withthe overmold body for supporting the electrical contacts. The posts havea length that is greater than the length of the electrical contacts. Theposts have a section of uniform cross sectional shape and area that islonger than said electrical contact. The posts includes a base sectionhaving a frusto-conical shape. The one connector has a sleeve and femalecontact correspondingly shaped and dimensioned to receive said post andsaid electrical contact. The post occupies the sleeve opening to enclosethe contacts before they enter within arcing range.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages, nature, and various additional features of the inventionwill appear more fully upon consideration of the illustrativeembodiments now to be described in detail in connection withaccompanying drawings. In the drawings wherein like reference numeralsdenote similar components throughout the views:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view illustrating the placement of a locking yokeand electrical contacts into a mold prior to overmolding the plug body.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart outlining the method steps for manufacturing anelectrical connector according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show the overmolded plug body with a first embodiment ofa receptacle.

FIG. 4A illustrates a second embodiment of the receptacle.

FIG. 4B illustrates a third embodiment of the receptacle.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of a portion of thereceptacle from FIG. 4B showing a sealing bead.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are progressive views illustrating compression of thesealing bead from FIG. 5 between the receptacle flange and the mountingplate.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view showing a further embodiment of theovermold plug body with a mating receptacle.

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the connectors from FIG. 7A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention incorporates locking assemblies made from selectedengineering resins into an overmolded plug body for improvedperformance. Through careful design of the locking assemblies, a weatherresistant electrical connector with improved functionality can bemanufactured with a single overmolding step.

A variety of electrical connectors are known, for example, mini spaplugs and connectors for evaporative cooling applications. Our priordesigns have provided mating seals to restrict moisture from penetratingthe electrical contact areas. However, upgrading or maintaining theequipment frequently requires the electrical connectors to be removed orreplaced. The material used to form the plug body and the receptaclebody is chosen for its dielectric properties. The material's mechanicalproperties including excellent flex fatigue resistance make it ideal forsealing. In addition, the electrical connectors typically lock to eachother and latch onto a mounting plate. However, the overmolding processand the somewhat resilient materials used for forming the plug body, aregenerally unsuited for creating thin, flexible locking or latching arms.

References to a plug body and receptacle body may be usedinterchangeably. In general, the devices discussed herein include amating pair. One half of the pair features a protruding block. For thesake of consistency, we refer to this block as the “male” or “plug”. Theother half of the pair features a recess for receiving the block. Forthe sake of consistency, we refer to the recess as the “female” or“receptacle”. The block and the recess are cooperatively shaped tocontact each other along facing surfaces as well as a peripheral,lateral surface. One lateral surface features a bead or groove. Theother lateral surface includes a corresponding groove or bead. Themating of the bead into the groove provides the water tight seal to theelectrical contacts which are made axially across the facing surfaces.Either the plug or the receptacle may carry male or female contacts, orboth.

An embodiment of a method for manufacturing a plug body will now bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 shows a mold half, forexample, the lower stationary mold half 40. A cavity 40 a will receivethe molten overmold material and defines the shape of the solidifiedovermolded part.

Adjacent cavity 40 a are various support features to retain elements ina particular location during injection of the overmold material. Alongthe wire axis, a wire support 44 holds a multiconductor wire 14 and aspacer support 48 holds a contact spacer 18. A wire strain relief isformed around multiconductor wire 14 in the upper left hand corner ofcavity 40 a. Several pairs of fins 40 b are shown. Cavity 40 a mayinclude two right fins and two left fins, with complementary sets in theother mold half. Contact spacer 18 is equipped with male holder elements18 a for male contacts 16 a, and female holder elements 18 b for femalecontacts 16 b. One holder element may be provided for each contact. Thecontacts are attached by crimps 26 a and 26 b to the stripped ends ofstranded wires 14 a and 14 b. Handle 18 c may extend outside the moldwhere it can be held by the operator or retained in an appropriatefixture. A stop or other alignment means may be provided to reproduciblylocate contact spacer 18 flush with the interior wall of cavity 40 a.The spacing of the holder elements determines the configuration of thecontacts in the solidified overmold body. For the receptacle, a mirrorimage holder element is provided with the opposite contact in eachlocation, so that each contact on the plug will be aligned with a matingcontact on the receptacle.

Radially outward from the wire axis, a pair of yoke supports 42 a and 42b are formed adjacent the cavity 40 a. Locking yoke 12 has a T-shapedportion that will be located outside the overmold body. The top of the Tconstitutes a locking arm 12 c and the stem of the T constitutes pivotplat 12 b. Pivot plate 12 b will be partially encased within theovermold body and partially exterior of the body. The exterior part ofpivot plate 12 b along with locking arm 12 c fit into yoke supports 42 aand 42 b. Since the support features are completely occupied by theircorresponding elements, they form a seal to contain the molten overmoldmaterial within the cavity 40 a.

A method of forming an electrical connector according to an embodimentof the invention will now be described in connection with the flowchartof FIG. 2. In step 112, there is provided an impact resistant, andflexible, locking yoke 12. For example, locking yoke may be formed byinjection molding polycarbonate or nylon 66. In step 114, the mold isprovided with yoke supports 42 a and 42 b.

In step 116, electrical contacts are provided, and in step 118, there isprovided a contact spacer 18. In step 120, the yoke and contact spacerare loaded into the mold. FIG. 1 depicts yoke with its retention band 12a along the bottom. In this orientation, the yoke would be loaded intothe mold first, with wire 14, its contacts, and spacer 18 then extendingover and across band 12 a. If wire 14 is loaded first, then yoke 12 canbe flipped 180 degrees so that band 12 a extends over and across thewires.

The moveable top mold half is then clamped down in step 122 tocompletely define the molding cavity. Top mold half will include a moldtool similar in all respects to the lower mold half shown. With supportopenings 42, 44 and 48 occupied by the various components, cavity 40 atakes on its closed volumetric shape. Molten resin, from a source 50, isthen injected into the cavity in step 124. Source 50 may be a heatedbarrel and screw arrangement or similar device for renderingthermoplastic into a molten state above its glass transitiontemperature. The mold may be equipped with a hot runner 50 a or valvesor other controls to adjust the volume or flow rate of resin into themold cavity. After a period of several seconds, up to about 1-2 minutes,the top moveable mold half opens and the overmolded connector is removedin step 126.

With regard to materials, the overmold body is formed from athermoplastic resin material suitable for injection overmolding. Theresins can be processed in the injection molding machine at temperaturesranging from 300 to 480 degrees F. In general the material will possessweather resistant properties, including UV, ozone, flex and fluidresistant properties. The material will be a so-called dielectricmaterial, since it will be in intimate contact with the electricalcontacts. The dielectric constant of suitable materials will be inexcess of 2 units, for example, between 2 and 3 units. The dielectricstrength will exceed 18 kV/mm, and may be, for example, between 19 and20 kV/mm. Such materials meeting these requirements, have a relativelylow tensile strength, between 1000 and 2500 psi, according to ASTM D412. The materials will have a relatively high service temperature, inthe range of 250 to 300 degrees F.

The classes of suitable resins may include, PVC, thermoplastic rubber(TPR) and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). For example, PVC designatedV2-8 having a tensile strength of 2350 psi or V2-9 having a tensilestrength of 1900 psi may be used. For TPR examples, Santoprene® 101-80or 201-80 both having a dielectric constant of 2.3; dielectric strengthof 19.6 kV/mm (500 v/mil); tensile strength, ultimate of 1640 psi; aprocessing temperature of 351-450 degrees F.; and a maximum servicetemperature, air of 275 degrees F., may be used. For a TPE example,Evoprene® G 975 having a tensile strength, ultimate of 1940 psi; aprocessing temperature of 340-376 degrees F.; and a maximum servicetemperature, air of 264 degrees F., may be used.

The locking assemblies are formed from a thermoplastic resin materialsuitable for injection molding or other thermoforming techniques. Theresins can be processed in the injection molding machine at temperaturesranging from 500 to 620 degrees F. In general the material will possessweather resistant properties, including UV, ozone, flex and fluidresistant properties. The material will be a so-called high impactstrength material. The dielectric constant of suitable materials will bein excess of 2 units, for example, between 2.8 and 3.8 units. Thedielectric strength will exceed 350 V/mil, and may be, for example,between 375 and 450 V/mil. Such materials meeting these requirements,have a relatively high tensile strength, between 7,000 and 12,000 psi,according to ASTM D 638. The materials will possess relatively highservice temperature, in the range of 200 to 275 degrees F.

The classes of suitable resins may include, polycarbonate and nylon 6/6.For example, polycarbonate designated LEXAN® 940 from GE having adielectric constant of 3; dielectric strength of 425 V/mil; a tensilestrength at yield of 9,000 psi and a tensile strength at break of 8,100psi may be used. For nylon 6/6 examples, Frianyl A63 V0 Nylon having atensile strength, ultimate of 11,600 psi; and a maximum servicetemperature, air of 257 degrees F., may be used. Another nylon,POLYPENCO® type 6/6 polyamide having a tensile strength, ultimate of11,500 psi; a dielectric constant of 3.6; a dielectric strength, shortterm of 400 V/mil; and a maximum service temperature, air of 210 degreesF., may be used.

The overmold materials have excellent flex fatigue resistance and highelongation at break values (300 to 550%), making them durable andsomewhat resilient to protect the electrical connections therein fromthe elements, vibration and other shock. However, the locking assemblymaterials, having a low elongation at break of only 5% and high impactstrength, are ideal for keeping the connectors locked together andinstalled on the mounting plate. With the locking arm embedded withinthe overmold body, a synergistic effect is created from the combinationof materials. The connector bodies can flex and elongate around theembedded locking yoke, without stretching or otherwise effecting thelocking yoke itself. The embedded section of the locking yoke isreferred to as a bit portion. Both the locking arms and the overmoldbody have similar high operating temperatures.

To summarize the method according to the invention:

Form, thermoform or injection mold the locking yoke from a high impactstrength material having a tensile strength exceed 7,000 psi;

Provide a yoke support within the mold;

Provide electrical contacts onto the ends of the individual wires;

Attach spacer clips to the electrical contacts;

Load the locking yoke and the contacts with spacer into the mold;

Overmold the connector body with a dielectric material having anultimate elongation exceeding 400%; and

Removing the connector body with embedded locking yoke from the mold toprovide a connector with all parts having a maximum service temperatureexceeding 200 degrees F. The locking yoke has a tensile strength,depending on the combination of materials, that is 5× to 10× greaterthan the overmold material.

The product according to the invention is presented in a firstembodiment in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The completed male connector 60 is shownwith a male mating extension 60 a at the proximal end and a strainrelief 60 c at the distal end. One part of the moisture seal extendscircumferentially around the lateral surface of the extension. Forexample, the figure shows the moisture seal recess 60 b formed on themale mating extension 60 a. The female contact 16 b or crimp 26 aresides within male mating extension 60 a, with the wires 14 a and 14 bextending back, generally in an Axial direction A, and converging by thetime they exit at multi-conductor wire 14.

Retention band 12 a and the band ends, represented by 12 ai, are curvedalong a path that is very similar to the exterior contour around threesides of male mating extension 60 a.

FIG. 3A shows arrow A passing adjacent the lateral side of 60 a andpassing through band end 12 ai. By adjusting the width of band 12 a andthe band ends, it is possible to have them axially aligned behind recess60 b, or to have the band and the recess terminate along a common axialplane or surface. That is, the band extends into the connector nofarther than the depth of the recess. Since the contact 16 b or crimp 26a is disposed a slight distance inwardly of the recess, the bandplacement in alignment with the recess insures clearance of the wireswithin the connector body. When assembled, band 12 a and band ends 12 aiwould also be axially aligned with the lateral surface of female matingcavity 70 a and sealing bead 70 b. For example, the lateral surface ofextension 60 a may be axially aligned with the center of the band. Theband and pivot plate may have a thickness of between 0.04 and 0.08inches, for example, 0.06 inches. In polycarbonate, this thickness rangeprovides good stiffness, while allowing pivoting with a reasonableamount of manual force. In the other dimensions, the pivot plate my be0.13 by 0.25 inches.

Locking arms 12 c extend parallel to the Axial direction A. FIG. 3Ashows the arms extending slightly passed the extension 60 a. The ends ofthe locking arms along with locking pegs 70 d may be complementarilytapered so that during the connection process, the locking arms arespread open. Once window 12 d clears the back end of peg 70 d, lockingarms spring back to their original, parallel position, latching theconnectors together. The locking arms are spaced from the connector bodyso that the rear portions thereof can be squeezed together, pivoting thefront portions open, and allowing the window 12 d to be unlatched fromthe locking peg 70 d.

As shown in the right hand side of FIG. 3A, the overmolded femaleconnector 70 includes a female mating cavity 70 a carrying along itslateral surface the other part of the moisture seal, in this example,the moisture seal bead 70 b. Surrounding and defining the cavity is aflange 70 e. At a preset distance behind the flange are the ramp tabs 70f. As can be seen in FIG. 3B, connector 70 is installed on a mountingplate 100, whereby the plate is sandwiched between a shoulder of flange70 e and ramp tabs 70 f.

Flange 70 e is dimensioned in the axial direction to provide clearancefor pivoting arms 12 c to latch and unlatch onto pegs 70 d withoutinterfering with plate 100. Each window and peg set are aligned along aRadial direction R. As can be seen in FIG. 3A, a particular arrow R canbe drawn from extension 60 a, through the recess 60 b and continuing towindow 12 d. When connected, the arrow R would also pass through flange70 e and bead 70 b. This adds to the integrity of the seal when subjectto torsional forces, since the latch is on a direct radial path with theenvironmental seal.

An improvement according to the invention provides thin flexible arms 80for engaging the mounting plate, as can be seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Theconnector 170 has a narrowed body 74 with engagement tabs 74 a forreceiving a capture block 82. FIG. 4A shows engagement tabs 74 a forslots 80 a, while FIG. 4B shows edge tabs 74 b for edge slots 80 b. Thecapture block 82 may be integrally formed with flexible arms 80, forexample, injection molded from the same material that forms the lockingyoke. Also along the edge of both connectors are channels 72. While arms80 are biased in an outwardly direction, they can be pressed intochannels 72 to clear the mounting panel for easy removal of theconnector.

At the end of arms 80, there is provided a stepped profile 80 c. At thefacing corner of flange 70 e is a sealing bead 70 g, for example atriangular profile extending back off the shoulder of the flange, asshown in FIG. 5. The sealing bead may have a height of 0.005 to 0.015inches. In one embodiment, the height of the bead is 0.010 inches. FIG.6A shows connector 170 mounted onto mounting plate 100 with retentionbeing provided by the furthest step of profile 80 c. As the matingconnector is attached, a connector mating force 90 is created in adirection to the right. This causes a compression of sealing bead 70 gas shown in FIG. 6B. As the plate clears the second step of profile 80c, one or both of the flexible arms spring outward to the final positionshown in FIG. 6B. The compression of bead 70 g forms an O-ring type sealaround the entire periphery of flange 70 e meeting standard IP65.

A further application for the high impact strength locking arms in aconnector set is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. Starting from the left sideof the figures, male connector 260 represents an overmold body thatenvelopes a locking yoke 212 and insulated wires. A male matingextension 260 a is provided with a moisture seal recess 260 b. Aspreviously described, retention band 212 a and ends 212 ai may beaxially aligned with the lateral surface of extension 260 a or thebottom of recess 260 b. When connected, the lateral surface of cavity270 a, and bead 270 b would also be aligned. Window 212 d may beradially aligned with recess 260 b. When connected, window would also beradially aligned with bead 270 b. For certain applications, includingindoor applications, it would be possible to omit the bead and recesswhile still incorporating the features described below.

While other embodiments (ex. FIG. 3A) have contact blades 16 a extendingfrom male extension 60 a, the embodiment of FIG. 7A provides aninsulated post, onto which contact blade 216 a is mounted. The post,having sections 262 and 264, may be formed as an integral part of theovermold body. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, cavity40 a can be modified to include sleeve shaped recesses. Contact blades216 a can be retained at the far end of the recess, in order to overmoldthe post in a single step, as described in FIG. 2. The same materialscan be used for the overmold body and the high strength locking yoke, asdescribed above. In a complementary configuration, female connector 270provides female contacts 216 b, that are disposed more towards thecenter of the connector 270. Note the buried location of contact 216 b,as compared to the position of the contacts in FIG. 3A which is adjacentcavity 70 a.

Geometrically, the post has a regular linear form having a length thatis greater than the exposed length of the mounted contact. An example ofa regular form would be a uniform cross-sectional shape and area thatextends for some length greater than the length of the contact. While asquare, rectangular or other polygonal cross-sectional area iscontemplated within the scope of this invention, a circularcross-sectional area is illustrated. Cylinder section 262 is shown inFIG. 7B that is configured to be received in correspondingly shapedcylinder sleeve 272. At the base of the post, there is a frusto-conicalsection 264 that is received within a frusto-conical sleeve 274. Thefrusto-conical section 264 provides added structural support for thepost. The frusto-conical sleeve 274 provides a wider opening forcylinder section 262 and guides the various posts into proper axialalignment as the connectors are brought together.

As mentioned, contact 216 a is shorter than cylinder sleeve 272, asshown by FIG. 7B. Accordingly, cylinder section 262 must matingly engagecylinder sleeve 272 before male contact 216 a reaches female contact 216b. By extending the cylindrical sections, a greater degree of insertioncan be achieved before the contacts engage. This buried contactconfiguration has particular application to live power disconnectsituations. When connecting and disconnecting live lines, it is possiblehave arcing occur between spaced electrical contacts. Individuals ortools may conduct electricity when exposed to arcing. By inserting thecylinder section into the sleeve to form an insultingly sufficient seal,any arcing occurs harmlessly within the limited enclosed sleeve volume.

For a given application like 220-240 volts or higher commercial lightingcircuits, determine the maximum gap over which an arc can occur with agiven contact (216 a, 216 b) configuration. Add a safety margin, andthen specify that cylindrical section 274 should exceed the length ofcontact 216 a by at least the maximum gap length plus the safety margin.Of course, the tolerance between mating connector parts, can influenceunder what circumstances it becomes an insulatingly sufficient seal. Ina practical embodiment, a contact blade 216 a having a length of 0.25inches is mounted on a post having a cylindrical section 262 over 0.30inches in length, for example 0.31 inches. The cylindrical section andthe cylindrical recess may both have a tooling diameter of 0.2 inches,with the cylindrical section and/or sleeve shrinking slightly as theovermold material cools, thereby allowing a close fit. The cylindricalsection should fit snuggly, so that the parts are axially aligned andfrictionally engaged, and under a compressive force pushing theconnectors toward each other, when the contacts first come into arcingrange.

In the same practical embodiment, frusto-conical section 264 had alength in the range of 0.10 to 0.15 inches, for example, 0.125 inches.At its narrower top end, section 264 has the same diameter as thecylindrical section 264, that is 0.2 inches. The cone angle may bebetween 10 and 20 degrees, for example 15 degrees. The base wheresection 264 meets male mating extension 260 a may be between 0.25 and0.28 inches in diameter, for example, 0.267 inches. The frusto-conicalsleeve 274 may be formed from tooling having the same dimensions.

1. In a water tight electrical connector assembly having a maleconnector and a female connector with a mating seal formed cooperativelyupon connection of the male connector to the female connector, whereinone of the connectors includes locking tabs and the other connectorcomprises: a locking yoke made from an impact resistant thermoplastichaving a bit portion with opposed ends and locking arms integrallyformed on either end of the bit portion; an electrical contact forming aterminating end of a wire; and a dielectric thermoplastic overmold bodyincluding a portion of the mating seal at the proximal end thereof andencasing said bit portion and said electrical contacts whereby thelocking arms extend outside the body with a degree of flexibility sothat the arms are capable of engaging and disengaging the locking tabson the mating connector.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said bitportion comprises a C shaped retention band that is configured anddesigned to pass around, and partially encircle, the electricalcontacts.
 3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the retention band and theelectrical contacts are held in a spaced relationship during formationof the overmold body.
 4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein said yokeincludes pivot plates between the bar and the locking arms, wherein thepivot plates pass through the exterior surface of the overmold body. 5.The assembly of claim 4, wherein the impact resistant material formingthe locking yoke has an tensile strength at yield of between about 7,500psi to about 10,500 psi according to ASTM D638.
 6. The assembly of claim5, wherein the locking arms are connected to the pivot plates at amidpoint thereof to provide a lever for pivoting the locking arms off ofthe tabs.
 7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the impact resistantmaterial forming the locking yoke has a tensile strength at yield ofbetween 3 and 20 times greater than the dielectric material forming theovermold body.
 8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the impact resistantmaterial is selected from the group consisting of nylon 66 andpolycarbonate, and the dielectric material is selected from the groupconsisting of PVC, TPR and TPE.
 9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein saidconnectors each include one of a complementary shaped extension orcavity, both having lateral surfaces, and wherein said mating seals areformed on lateral surfaces.
 10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein saidband bit portion is axially aligned with said lateral surfaces.
 11. Theassembly of claim 9, wherein said band bit portion is axially alignedwith said seal.
 12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein said locking armsand said locking tabs engage at a location that is radially aligned withsaid lateral surfaces.
 13. The assembly of claim 1, comprising a postintegrally formed with said overmold body and having a free end forsupporting said electrical contact.
 14. The assembly of claim 13,wherein said post has a length that is greater than the length of saidelectrical contact.
 15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein said post hasa section of uniform cross sectional shape and area that is longer thansaid electrical contact.
 16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein said postincludes a base section having a frusto-conical shape.
 17. The assemblyof claim 14, wherein the one connector has a sleeve and female contactcorrespondingly shaped and dimensioned to receive said post and saidelectrical contact.
 18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein said postoccupies the sleeve opening to enclose the contacts before they enterarcing range.
 19. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising the oneconnector including a shoulder, at least one step and flexible arms thatcarry and bias the step outwardly into a face-plate contactingconfiguration.
 20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein said one connectoris overmolded with a dielectric material to include a bead extendingaround the shoulder for sealing engagement with the plate.
 21. Theassembly of claim 20, wherein said flexible arms carry a stepped profileto increase the pressure of the bead against the plate so that the beadforms an O-ring type seal meeting standard IP65.
 22. The assembly ofclaim 21, wherein the bead comprises a tapered lip about 0.01 inches inheight and extending off the shoulder in the direction of the tabs. 23.The assembly of claim 19, wherein said one connector is provided withchannels underneath the flexible arms, wherein the flexible arms areadapted to be depressed into the channels to clear the face plateaperture for removal of the one connector.
 24. The assembly of claim 23,comprising an attachment assembly having a capture block integrallyformed with the flexible arms, and wherein said capture block releasablysecures the attachment assembly to the one connector.
 25. The assemblyof claim 24, wherein said one connector is made from a dielectricthermoplastic material and includes the other portion of the waterproofseal.
 26. The assembly of claim 25, wherein said one connector and theother connector are made from the same dielectric material.
 27. Theassembly of claim 25, wherein said attachment assembly is made from animpact resistant thermoplastic material having a tensile strength atyield of between about 7,500 psi to about 10,500 psi according to ASTMD638.
 28. The assembly of claim 27, wherein said locking yoke and saidattachment assembly are made from the same impact resistant material.29. The assembly of claim 27, wherein said capture block includeswindows and wherein said one connector includes engagement tabs at adistal end thereof, to latch into the windows of said capture block. 30.The assembly of claim 1, further comprising the one connector includinga shoulder and ramp tabs adapted to resiliently compress for passingthrough a face plate aperture and then expand to capture the face platebetween the shoulder and the tabs.